Terry Hunsucker Burleson's Obituary
Terry Hunsucker Burleson, age 76, of Richfield, NC, passed away on December 12, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Terry was born on February 27, 1949, in Albemarle, NC, to the Rev. Lloyd G. Hunsucker and Bobbie Easley Hunsucker. She was preceded in death by her parents. Terry married Ronald Thurman Burleson at Pfeiffer Chapel on December 27, 1970. In addition to her husband, Terry is survived by her two children, Ashley Burleson and husband Scott Nahrgang of Arlington, VA, and Andrew Burleson and wife Ashley of New London, NC. She cherished her three grandchildren—Georgia, Michael, and Matthew Burleson—deeply, finding immense joy and pride in each of them and treasuring every moment she spent watching them grow. Terry also leaves behind her sister, Kelley Hunsucker Rowland (Lewis), of High Point, NC.
Terry was a faithful member of New Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Richfield, NC, for over 50 years. She was involved in many aspects of the church, serving as Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and choir member. Terry graduated with honors from Pfeiffer University in 1971, earning a degree in English. She studied to be an educator and taught three generations of English students at Albemarle High School. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an international honorary organization for women educators. Terry loved teaching, and expected excellence from her students throughout a career spanning more than 42 years at Albemarle High School, Gray Stone Day School, and Christ the King Christian Academy.
Terry loved traveling, leading groups of high school students and community members on more than a dozen summer trips across Europe. She and Ronnie traveled across the country and internationally to visit Ashley and Scott. Terry was an enthusiastic reader with a deep love of books, and was equally known for the joy she took in giving meaningful gifts. She positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, who fondly remember the energy and passion she brought to teaching mythology, the Holocaust, and Shakespeare.
Terry’s family would like to thank the caregivers and hospice nurses who assisted her. A special thank you to Sarah Lawhon, Teresa Helms, and Hannah Leonard, who were compassionate and wonderful caregivers for Terry.
The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral Home in Albemarle, NC, from 5-7pm on January 3, 2026, and hold a celebration of life at New Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Richfield, NC, at 2pm on January 4, 2026.
To honor Terry’s memory, the family invites those who wish to make a donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or St. Jude’s Children Hospital in lieu of flowers.
- UMCOR/Global Ministries, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY
10087-9068 - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
What’s your fondest memory of Terry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Terry?
Share a story where Terry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Terry you’ll never forget.
How did Terry make you smile?